In a political era dominated by performance, viral moments, and meme-worthy soundbites, it’s hardly surprising when a member of Congress grabs headlines for how they speak rather than what they say. But Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) has ignited a very particular firestorm — one rooted not just in rhetoric, but in identity, authenticity, and performance politics.
A recent clip of Crockett speaking in what critics called exaggerated vernacular has gone viral, drawing swift commentary from both sides of the aisle. Her words, as seen in the clip, took on a theatrical tone that veered far from the articulate, measured speech she was known for before her congressional tenure:
“Baby, deez people, day are crazy because they always talking bout how Christian they is…”
Jasmine Crockett, US House Representative pic.twitter.com/eYLsnAPGVv
— Bonchie (@bonchieredstate) September 2, 2025
This wasn’t just folksy flair or informal speech. To many, it sounded like a caricature — a persona adopted, not unlike an actor slipping into costume. And the criticism was swift.
“Her code switch is broken,” quipped comedian Joe DeVito, summing up what many others hinted at. Code-switching — the ability to shift language and behavior depending on context — is not new to politics or public life. It’s a cultural reality for many Americans. But what’s sparking backlash here is the intentionality — or perhaps, the performance.
Her code switch is broken https://t.co/d1vPZVwtBx
— Joe DeVito (@JoeDeVitoComedy) September 2, 2025
Critics point to her elite educational background and articulate past speeches as evidence that this wasn’t an unconscious slip — but a choice. A calculated embrace of a persona. David Marcus suggested she had “become the character,” while Bonchie of Red State was more blunt: “She’s not from the streets.”
In an age where image often outpaces substance, Crockett’s shift in tone raises uncomfortable questions: Where does authenticity end and theater begin? What do voters expect from their representatives — relatability, or reliability? Should a congresswoman be judged for connecting with a certain audience, or criticized for potentially condescending to them with a fabricated voice?
When I was doing theater, I knew a few actors, not many, who got so swept up in a given character they played on stage, that they basically became that person in real life. Forever. I think Crockett has passed this point. This is who she is now. https://t.co/En4XhXwPwl
— David Marcus (@BlueBoxDave) September 2, 2025
To be clear, Crockett isn’t the first — and won’t be the last — politician to shift tone based on the room. But when the performance becomes the headline, rather than the policy, credibility comes under fire.